MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE HONORED FOR DEDICATION TO UNDERSERVED PATIENTS

Harriet Hall, CEO of the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, has been selected as the 2016 Dr. Gary VanderArk Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved

DENVER ­ September 20, 2016 ­ Recognizing community members who have made outstanding contributions to improve the health care system and provide care for at-risk patients, the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved announced today that Harriet Hall, CEO of the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, is the winner of their 2016 Dr. Gary VanderArk Lifetime Achievement Award.

Since 1997, the Coalition has held an annual event to bring together Colorado’s health leaders and honor those making important contributions to their community through Community Champion awards. The award includes a donation toward their work.

“Harriet has devoted her life to improving the lives of people with mental health needs and building community.” says Mindy Klowden, Director of the Office of Healthcare Transformation at Jefferson Center for Mental Health. “From the wake of the Columbine Tragedy, to the implementation of Colorado's behavioral health managed care system, to meeting the needs of persons with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system, Harriet has been a tremendously collaborative and effective leader. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

This year’s event included awards for four winners:

•Roberta Capp, MD, University of Colorado Health – Physician of the Year

•Ciani Sosa, RN, Clinica Family Health – Non-Physician Provider of the Year

•Sharon O’Hara, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CO/WY Chapter – Community Advocate of the Year

•Harriet Hall, PhD, Jefferson Center for Mental Health – Lifetime Achievement

“Colorado has so many talented, committed leaders doing incredible work across the state, and getting to recognize and thank a few of them is one of my favorite parts of the year,” said Joe Sammen, executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved. “These individuals are modeling the spirit of community and collaboration that will ensure that good health is available to all Coloradans, and that we as a state can thrive in the years ahead.”

Nominations for Community Champion Awards were accepted until late August, and a committee made the final selections. More event information can be found at http://www.ccmu.org/luncheon.

About the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved

We believe everybody should have the opportunity to live a healthy life. To that end, it is our mission to create opportunities and eliminate barriers to good health for medically underserved Coloradans. Launched in 1997, and independently incorporated in 2003, CCMU has always worked in collaboration to increase understanding of the issues facing the medically underserved, support local health change initiatives, and advance good public policy to improve the health care system.